Tablet Shipments Surge in India Amid Rising Demand
Tablet shipments in India soared by 42.8% year-over-year in 2024, reaching a total of 5.73 million units, according to a recent report from a market research firm. This remarkable growth is attributed to rising notebook PC prices and enhanced features in Android tablets, prompting consumers to choose tablets for both productivity and entertainment. However, the fourth quarter of 2024 saw a 17% decline in shipments, primarily due to delays in government contracts.
Record Growth in Tablet Shipments
The International Data Corporation (IDC) has reported a significant increase in tablet shipments in India, which climbed to 5.73 million units in 2024, reflecting a 42.8% rise compared to the previous year. This data comes from IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Personal Computing Device Tracker. The consumer segment alone grew by 19.2% year-over-year, driven by strong promotions, discounts, and cashback offers from eTailers. Samsung emerged as the leader in this channel, capturing a 24.4% market share.
In the commercial tablet segment, growth was even more pronounced, with a staggering 69.7% increase year-over-year. This surge occurred despite a 9.9% decline in the Very Large Business (VLB) segment. Notably, the education sector experienced a remarkable 104.5% growth, fueled by government-funded educational initiatives. IDC analyst Priyansh Tiwari highlighted that improvements in camera quality, software updates, and app integration in Android tablets have attracted a segment of PC buyers seeking lightweight productivity and entertainment solutions. Additionally, rising component costs have pushed up notebook prices, further incentivizing consumers to opt for tablets.
More than 60% of tablet shipments in India were entry-level models priced at or below $300 (approximately Rs. 26,200). The average selling price (ASP) for tablets in the consumer segment also increased, rising from $309 (around Rs. 27,000) in 2023 to $336 (about Rs. 29,400) in 2024. Samsung dominated the Indian tablet market with a 42.6% share, leading both the commercial and consumer segments with 51.1% and 32.1% market shares, respectively.
Samsung’s Continued Dominance
Samsung maintained its leadership in the tablet market throughout 2024, achieving a 35.5% market share in the fourth quarter. This success can be attributed to the company’s strong presence in public sector education projects, effective consumer channel strategies, and a robust inventory push during online sales events. Following Samsung, Acer Group secured the second position with an 18.7% market share, while Apple ranked third with an 11% share. Both Lenovo and Xiaomi held the fourth position, each with a 9% market share.
Future Outlook for India’s Tablet Market
Looking ahead, IDC’s Bharath Shenoy predicts that the acceptance of tablets across various industries, including FMCG, hospitality, and banking, is on the rise, as they are increasingly viewed as portable productivity devices. The tablet market in India is expected to sustain its growth momentum in 2025, particularly in the consumer segment, driven by the anticipated launch of more AI-backed tablets in the coming months. This trend indicates a promising future for tablet adoption in the country.
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